Simone Peiti has hung up his skates. © Max Pattis

Peitis' quiet retirement: "Ice hockey is part of my life"

This coming Saturday, the new seasons of both the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) and the Italian Hockey League (IHL) will kick off. Local ice hockey fans will miss one familiar face: Simone Peiti, who has retired from playing at the age of 28.

September 13, 2025

The goaltending position is generally considered the most demanding in ice hockey. Game after game, goalies are mentally and physically challenged. The attention is always on them, and their own mistakes are punished with a high price. Simone Peiti knows the tough everyday life of a goaltender all too well. The Bozen native began keeping the hard rubber away from his net at the age of four. But now the time has come to draw a line under it, the South Tyrolean explains in an interview with SportNews.

"I've lost the passion and enthusiasm for the sport," says Peiti, explaining why he's decided to retire at the peak of his hockey career. "I was already thinking about ending my career last year. I simply don't have the time. When you work up to 40 hours a week, it's difficult to devote yourself to the sport—with everything that comes with it," says the insurance broker. Now he wants to focus on other things, spend more time with friends and family, and simply put his feet up.

Goalkeeper coach in Piné

The decision wasn't easy for him, especially since ice hockey has been a part of his life. Nevertheless, he's now reached a point where it's the only right decision – even though he had offers on his desk this summer. But ice hockey hasn't left him completely. From now on, Peiti will coach the goaltenders of Piné, who play in the IHL Division I. "I enjoy helping the youngsters develop," Peiti emphasizes.

Simone Peiti won the championship title with Eppan.

One reason Peiti accepted this offer is that Piné is currently training and playing in Neumarkt before urgently needed renovations to their own stadium are completed. Peiti, who has already made great sacrifices in his career, appreciates the proximity. "For five years, I drove to Pergine every day to play there. That's 150 kilometers there and back. It wasn't easy at the beginning, but I have to thank my parents for their support," explains Peiti, who played for Fiemme last season and commuted daily from Bolzano to Cavalese.

“It was a fantastic season.” Simone Peiti on the championship title with HC Eppan

Peiti experienced the most successful period of his career playing for HC Eppan. In 2017, at the age of 21, he moved to the Überetsch region as an unknown quantity. At the end of the season, he held the Italian championship title in his hands – thanks in no small part to his performances. "It was a fantastic season with great teammates and great memories." He then moved on to Fiemme, where he narrowly missed another title in 2022. His performances in the IHL finals ultimately earned him the role of number-one goalie for the Unterland Cavaliers in their first year in the AlpsHL.

Peiti didn’t want to rush into anything

There's a reason why Peiti "only" dared to make the leap at the age of 25. "Even though I had opportunities to play in the AlpsHL before, I wanted to wait for the right moment. I preferred to take a longer path to realize my full potential. In other words: playing a lot in the IHL, celebrating successes there, and playing an important role," explains Peiti, who slightly regrets having immediately entered the professional world after school instead of focusing more on his sport.

Known for his spectacular saves: Simone Peiti © Vanna Antonello

Now, in any case, a new phase of his life begins, full of exciting adventures – and without the daily stress of training. "I don't know what to expect. I'm looking forward to finding out step by step. As a fan, coach, or supporter, I will always be involved in the sport. I love ice hockey; it's part of my life."